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A Scandinavian Journey

From the castles of Denmark to the picturesque islands of Sweden and the history of Norway’s capital, this summertime Scandinavian journey ticks off all that’s unique about the Nordics. Combining breath-taking scenery with insightful local experiences, memorable accommodations and fascinating legends, there’s no better way to get under the skin of this lesser-travelled corner of Europe.

Highlights

Enjoy a scenic cruise along the famous Göta Canal in Sweden

Walk in the footsteps of Vikings at Roskilde’s medieval cathedral and Viking Ship Museum

Explore the picturesque Swedish island of Marstrand

Itinerary

Day 1 – Copenhagen – Roskilde – SnekkerstenAfter meeting the group in cosmopolitan Copenhagen, we’ll hit the road to Roskilde where we’ll dive straight into proceedings with an included tour of the medieval cathedral, the resting place of Viking kings Harold Bluetooth and his son Sweyn Forkbeard (not to mention dozens of former Danish kings and queens). Then we’ll pay a visit to the Viking Ship Museum, where five original 11th-century ships will give us a unique insight into this fascinating era of history. Later on this afternoon, we’ll set a course for our hotel in the former fishing village of Snekkersten. (B)

Day 2 – Kokkedal – Hillerød – Elsinore – SnekkerstenOn today’s agenda: a tour of the castles of North Zealand, with a stop at the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art (and its famous Sculpture Park) along the way. After strolling the exhibitions, we’ll move on to Hillerød – where we’ll be treated to a guided tour of Frederiksborg Castle. Then we’ll make a short pit stop at Fredensborg Palace – the summer residence of the Danish royal family – on our way to Elsinore, where we’ll see Kronborg Palace (a UNESCO World Heritage site that was made famous by William Shakespeare’s Hamlet). We’ll have plenty of time to relax back at the hotel this afternoon before we come back together for dinner. (B, D)

Day 3 – Kokkedal – Malmö – Lund – BåstadAfter breakfast, we’ll bid farewell to Denmark and move on to Malmö in Sweden, crossing the famous Øresund Bridge along the way. When we get there, we’ll step inside Malmöhus Castle – where we’ll experience 1,000 years of fascinating history, from the Viking Age to the 20th century. After an insightful morning, we’ll make tracks to Lund – where we’ll pay a visit to the city’s majestic cathedral. We’ll then have some free time to wander the city at our leisure before we journey onwards to the small town of Båstad – the home of the Swedish Open. (B)

Day 4 – Båstad – Gothenburg – VargönAfter breakfast we’ll continue north through the picturesque Swedish countryside to Gothenburg: the country’s second largest city. While we’re here, we’ll pay a visit to the Volvo Museum – which showcases the company’s iconic cars, buses and commercial vehicles alongside a fascinating Volvo Ocean Race exhibit. Later on this afternoon, we’ll take to the water for a nautical city tour aboard a Paddan boat – weaving under no fewer than 20 bridges as we take in the old moat and 17th-century canals. Then it’s onwards to Värgon, our base for the next two nights. (B, D)

Day 5 – Vargön – Marstrand – Trollhatten – VargönOur first stop today will be the small township of Koön – where we’ll board a ferry for the short ride to the picturesque island of Marstrand. After getting our bearings on a walking tour, we’ll have some free time to hunt down some excellent seafood in the local restaurants, enjoy a coffee and pastries at Bergs bakery (a Marstrand institution) or perhaps pay a visit to the impressive Carlsten fortress. This afternoon, we’ll travel back to the mainland – where we’ll learn about the inner workings of the locks along the famous Göta Canal (which runs all the way from Gothenburg to Stockholm) – and before returning to Värgon for the evening, we’ll pass by the dramatic Trollhättan Falls. (B)

Day 6 – Vargön – Töreboda – Sjötorp – KarlstadThis morning it’s back on the road, as we set our sights on the town of Töreboda. Here, we’ll climb aboard a small passenger ferry for an unforgettable journey along the Göta Canal – stopping at Lyrestad, where we’ll have time to eat lunch, along the way. After passing by countless ancient trees, rolling fields, traditional houses and country landscapes, we’ll arrive in Sjötorp later this afternoon – where we’ll board the mini-coach and move on to Kristinehamn. We’ll make a final stop at the Picasso sculpture before winding our way to Karlstad – where we’ll toast the end of our adventure with a farewell dinner. (B, D)

Day 7 – Karlstad – OsloOne last breakfast, then we’ll set a course for our final destination: the Norwegian capital, Oslo. But the tour’s not over yet! When we get there, we’ll meet a local guide – who’ll show us the likes of the unique City Hall, Akershus Fortress, the Royal Palace the Opera House on a city tour. We’ll even have time to visit the Viking Ship Museum before we round off the day with a walking tour of the famous Vigeland Park. (B)

Tour Inclusions

6 nights hotel accommodation

10 Meals: 7 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners

BR-BEHSJCO

Images courtesy of BackRoadsTouring

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